A Peek Into My Process Of Designing A Print

I’ve been using Photoshop for about eight years now. I started back when I was in high school, learning how to use layers and adjustments to design the school yearbook. At this time, I was using design principles that I didn’t fully understand to help put together the best yearbook any school has ever seen. (Okay, this might be a stretch, but doing this work did help to start my journey of learning Photoshop to create the pieces I make today.)

I like to call the work “collage art” because it blends bodies, textures, shapes, and colors. What helps my work to stand out is the fact that it’s taken from inspiration from everywhere and meshed together. In these works, you’ll find my experiences and interest, love, pain, anxiety, joy, and even random conversations I’ve had that sparked ideas.

Environment is important when designing. I design in the dark, even if it's in the morning, closing all the blinds and curtains just so I can lock into the process. I also must have some music playing when I design; it really relaxes my mind and allows all the ideas to flow. Depending on the day, it could be anything from Erykah Badu, Kendrick, Thundercat, Solange, or Burna Boy.

Time-lapse video of me designing a print while listening to Drones by Terrace Martin.

I like to let the ideas flow and not force anything. Because of that, some designs may take me days to complete, while others only take a few hours. I generally start with an image, usually a face, but sometimes I can also go with some textures depending on what I’m feeling at the time. It’s hard to explain the exact process, but I just go to work. And once I take a step back, I can immediately tell that a piece is complete.

I hope that when people see my work they can see something that resonates with them.